Choice fund-raiser

The setting was spectacular, the entertainment was colorful and the purpose heartfelt.

"It's our local cities and our economy. We need to step up," said Ben Lee, CEO/owner of Choice Lending Corp.

Choice Lending's day-long fund-raiser was held at Boulder Creek Ranch, a sprawling, rustic banquet facility located along the Mojave River in Hesperia.

"There's really nowhere else in the High Desert like this," Lee said.

The event benefited the Happy Trails Foundation, Easter Seals, Canyon Ridge High School and the High Desert Domestic Violence Shelter.

"We're really excited about it because it's a family event because that's what we're all about - family, said Daryl Evey, director of the shelter program.

"There's nothing we wouldn't do for our city," said Lee.